No matter what eye-related problems you have, getting involved in sports usually implies taking your glasses out. Indeed, it depends on the sport – you can wear your glasses while playing chess, for example.
But when it comes to soccer, you know you will have to jump, use your head, get involved into physical contact, run, get thrown on the ground and so on. At this point, you probably ask yourself – can you play soccer with glasses?
On a different note, you are meant to look after your glasses and not only because they are fragile, easy to break and expensive to replace. However, this is by far the last thing you should worry about. So, what do you need to know about wearing glasses while playing soccer?
Can You Play Soccer With Glasses?
As a general rule of thumb, soccer players should avoid wearing glasses. It makes no difference what level you are at. You could be a professional or just play every Sunday with your best friends – glasses are highly contraindicated.
You are not just putting others at risk, but also yourself. Imagine the glasses getting smashed while you and an opponent jump for the ball. Your opponent can get cut, while pieces of glass will end up in your eye, causing a serious injury or even blindness.
When it comes to professional games, it is always up to the referee. The referee has to make a decision regarding the wearables. Show up with regular glasses and you will not even be allowed on the field – simple as that.
The idea behind this contraindication is quite obvious. Soccer is described as a ball game, but it is actually a contact game. You will need to get in touch with other players, run and move a lot, hit the ball with your head and even get someone to kick the ball in your face.
Normal glasses will not just fall out and break, but they may also break while you wear them. The scenario of having pieces of broken glass in your eyes is pretty scary, but very likely to occur if you wear glasses on the field.
No matter how bad your vision is, glasses are to be avoided. Even if you are not involved in a serious game, glasses are still contraindicated. In fact, even if you are just training with your friends, you should do it without your glasses on. Simple passes can still end up with a sudden move that can smack you and take the glasses off or break them.
Soccer Player With Glasses – Any Exceptions?
At this point, you are probably asking yourself – can you think of any soccer player with glasses? You can probably remember Petr Cech’s mask covering his head during games and training, but that was different from glasses and there were no risks. Cristian Chivu is another top player who had to wear a mask due to head surgery.
But when it comes to glasses, Edgar Davids is probably the most famous soccer player with glasses. Some remember Edgar Davids for his fierce attacks and aggressive attitude. Some others remember him for his dreadlocks. But then, everyone can remember the goggles he used to wear. Where is the catch then?
Edgar Davids had glaucoma and needed those goggles to play. They were not regular glasses though. Instead, they had an elastic band that stuck to his head. They were made of solid materials, so they were less likely to break. The Dutch player gained notoriety while playing for Juventus FC and was allowed to wear those goggles in high-rated games as well.
Can You Play Soccer With Contacts?
As an alternative, you probably think about contacts too. So, can you play soccer with contacts? Yes, you can. Glasses are risky, while contact lenses are not that bad. Make sure you get yours from reputable and trusted places though.
Contact lenses are less likely to be knocked off or broken during a soccer game, so they are allowed. In fact, there are plenty of professional soccer players who rely on contact lenses for their official games. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of them – one of the best players in the world wearing contacts, so you should definitely not worry about it.
It is worth noting that not all contacts are suitable for soccer. Therefore, ask your doctor if the contacts you use are suitable for contact sports like soccer. You might need to change them and get a more professional alternative.
How About Goggles?
You have seen Edgar Davids playing soccer with goggles, but it does not mean that any goggles will work. In fact, they should be professionally made and specifically designed to be used in sports. Believe it or not, some players use goggles only to protect their eyes and not necessarily because of affection.
Again, not all types of goggles will work as an alternative to glasses. Avoid buying random stuff over the Internet. Instead, reach to your doctor and mention why you need the goggles for. You will get sports goggles that were made for such activities – they are more expensive, but they will ensure your eyes are safe during a game.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, can you play soccer with glasses? Absolutely not. Professional players will not be allowed to wear glasses – referees always have a word to say there. But then, just because you are not a professional and you are just enjoying a game with your friends every now and then, it does not mean that you can wear glasses.
The risks you expose yourself to are too high. Breaking the glasses will make an expensive replacement, but this is the least important thing. Having contact with another player and breaking them while having them on will lead to serious damage to your eyes and may even cause blindness.
The good news is you do not have to quit soccer, as there are a few good alternatives – such as contacts or sports goggles.